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Power Rankings: TOUR Championship
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August 19, 2019
By Rob Bolton , PGATOUR.COM
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Inside the PGA TOUR
New format for 2019 FedExCup Playoffs
When Justin Rose captured the FedExCup in 2018, he became the first champion without a victory in the same Playoffs. That possibility no longer exists with the revised format of the TOUR Championship.
The winner of this week's TOUR Championship is the FedExCup champion. It's that simple. What requires a moment to understand is why all 30 in the field aren't starting the tournament at even par like usual. So, scroll past the ranking for an explanation on the format, other wrinkles of the tournament and more.
NOTE: This full-field Power Rankings includes starting score for every golfer in the field.
POWER RANKINGS: TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP
RANK PLAYER COMMENT 30 
Chez Reavie 1-under. Still No. 1 on TOUR in fairways hit and third in proximity, but since winning the Travelers, he's gone six starts without a top 25. Only prior visit to East Lake: T26 in 2011.1-under. Still No. 1 on TOUR in fairways hit and third in proximity, but since winning the Travelers, he's gone six starts without a top 25. Only prior visit to East Lake: T26 in 2011.29 
Charles Howell III Even par. Nothing like ending a seven-year hiatus at East Lake as a 40-year-old! Yet, he limped in and has posted only three top 25s in stroke-play competition in five months.Even par. Nothing like ending a seven-year hiatus at East Lake as a 40-year-old! Yet, he limped in and has posted only three top 25s in stroke-play competition in five months.28 
Corey Conners 1-under. The Canadian climbed his way from conditional status to 31st in FedExCup starting the Playoffs and into the TOUR Championship with a T21-T7 surge. Leads TOUR in GIR.1-under. The Canadian climbed his way from conditional status to 31st in FedExCup starting the Playoffs and into the TOUR Championship with a T21-T7 surge. Leads TOUR in GIR.27 
Bryson DeChambeau Even par. It's been a strange conclusion of the 2018-19 season for the third-year member. He made noise on both sides of Independence Day, but he's been otherwise quiet for months.Even par. It's been a strange conclusion of the 2018-19 season for the third-year member. He made noise on both sides of Independence Day, but he's been otherwise quiet for months.26 
Sungjae Im 1-under. As the only PGA TOUR rookie in the field, the expectation is that he'll win the Arnold Palmer Award. So polished beyond his age of 21 with seven top 10s among 15 top 25s this season.1-under. As the only PGA TOUR rookie in the field, the expectation is that he'll win the Arnold Palmer Award. So polished beyond his age of 21 with seven top 10s among 15 top 25s this season.25 
Matt Kuchar 4-under. Arrives coolest among everyone in the field without a top 40 in four starts. Also curiously merely an also-ran at East Lake with no better than three T10s in eight appearances.4-under. Arrives coolest among everyone in the field without a top 40 in four starts. Also curiously merely an also-ran at East Lake with no better than three T10s in eight appearances.24 
Marc Leishman 1-under. In three prior trips, he failed to finish inside the top 20 in this limited field, so it'd be a mild surprise if he reverses that trend. His scoring average in 12 rounds is just 71.33.1-under. In three prior trips, he failed to finish inside the top 20 in this limited field, so it'd be a mild surprise if he reverses that trend. His scoring average in 12 rounds is just 71.33.23 
Abraham Ancer 4-under. As detailed below this ranking, it's all gravy from here on out for the 28-year-old first-timer who punctuated his season with a solo second at Liberty National.4-under. As detailed below this ranking, it's all gravy from here on out for the 28-year-old first-timer who punctuated his season with a solo second at Liberty National.22 
Jason Kokrak Even par. The tournament debutant established career-bests in top 10s (five), top 25s (13), cuts made (22) and missed cuts (one). Phenomenal combination of power and precision.Even par. The tournament debutant established career-bests in top 10s (five), top 25s (13), cuts made (22) and missed cuts (one). Phenomenal combination of power and precision.21 
Dustin Johnson 3-under. Still out of sync, evident as the 14-seed, easily his worst position upon arrival at East Lake in five years. No better than a pair of T20s in the last three months.3-under. Still out of sync, evident as the 14-seed, easily his worst position upon arrival at East Lake in five years. No better than a pair of T20s in the last three months.20 
Gary Woodland 3-under. Backs in as the 11-seed despite mildly improving form since focusing on being at home for the birth of his twin daughters. Solid-not-spectacular record at East Lake.3-under. Backs in as the 11-seed despite mildly improving form since focusing on being at home for the birth of his twin daughters. Solid-not-spectacular record at East Lake.19 
Louis Oosthuizen Even par. Remained a machine in his age-37 season. Recorded eight top 20s, including in each of his last four starts upon arrival. Surprisingly below average on par 5s, however.Even par. Remained a machine in his age-37 season. Recorded eight top 20s, including in each of his last four starts upon arrival. Surprisingly below average on par 5s, however.18 
Lucas Glover Even par. Just his second Playoffs finale and first since the U.S. Open victory boost in 2009. This visit is a result of a longer-term consistency, but he needed last week's T7 to qualify.Even par. Just his second Playoffs finale and first since the U.S. Open victory boost in 2009. This visit is a result of a longer-term consistency, but he needed last week's T7 to qualify.17 
Tommy Fleetwood 1-under. Now 2-for-2 in getting to the TOUR Championship without reaching 20 starts in either season. He does everything well, but when he doesn't, he leads the TOUR in scrambling.1-under. Now 2-for-2 in getting to the TOUR Championship without reaching 20 starts in either season. He does everything well, but when he doesn't, he leads the TOUR in scrambling.16 
Patrick Reed 6-under. Sixth consecutive appearance in the TOUR Championship and still chasing his first top 10. Answered his win at Liberty National with a ho-hum T19 at Medinah.6-under. Sixth consecutive appearance in the TOUR Championship and still chasing his first top 10. Answered his win at Liberty National with a ho-hum T19 at Medinah.15 
Rickie Fowler 2-under. As dangerous as he is not to factor. In five trips to East Lake, he has two top 10s and two results outside the top 20. Only three top 35s in last nine starts worldwide but all are top 15s.2-under. As dangerous as he is not to factor. In five trips to East Lake, he has two top 10s and two results outside the top 20. Only three top 35s in last nine starts worldwide but all are top 15s.14 
Kevin Kisner 2-under. Among the potential spoilers who opens as a disadvantage on the scoreboard, he placed T3 in his last trip in 2017. He's also improved his finish in four straight starts; T9 at the BMW.2-under. Among the potential spoilers who opens as a disadvantage on the scoreboard, he placed T3 in his last trip in 2017. He's also improved his finish in four straight starts; T9 at the BMW.13 
Tony Finau 3-under. Fifth in total driving, T5 in GIR and second in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green in the Playoffs. Solo fourth at Medinah was his fifth top-five finish of the season. T7-T15 at East Lake.3-under. Fifth in total driving, T5 in GIR and second in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green in the Playoffs. Solo fourth at Medinah was his fifth top-five finish of the season. T7-T15 at East Lake.12 
Paul Casey 2-under. Paid the price of sitting out THE NORTHERN TRUST (falling from eighth to 16th in the FedExCup), but the totality of a great season yielded the option. Four top fives at East Lake.2-under. Paid the price of sitting out THE NORTHERN TRUST (falling from eighth to 16th in the FedExCup), but the totality of a great season yielded the option. Four top fives at East Lake.11 
Justin Rose 2-under. The defending FedExCup champion might feel the brunt of the new scoring since his record at East Lake is outstanding. Since 2012, he has two seconds, two T4s, a sixth and a T10.2-under. The defending FedExCup champion might feel the brunt of the new scoring since his record at East Lake is outstanding. Since 2012, he has two seconds, two T4s, a sixth and a T10.10 
Webb Simpson 4-under. In position to pounce with a pair of top 25s to open the Playoffs. He is where he started as the 9-seed but had three runner-up finishes in his previous five starts. T4 here last year.4-under. In position to pounce with a pair of top 25s to open the Playoffs. He is where he started as the 9-seed but had three runner-up finishes in his previous five starts. T4 here last year.9 
Xander Schauffele 4-under. Struggling to put four rounds together but he's been a beast at East Lake. Victorious in his debut in 2017, he finished T7 in his title defense and owns a scoring average of 67.88.4-under. Struggling to put four rounds together but he's been a beast at East Lake. Victorious in his debut in 2017, he finished T7 in his title defense and owns a scoring average of 67.88.8 
Hideki Matsuyama 3-under. It would have been a surprise if he didn’t qualify, but he wasn't in until a roller coaster of a solo third at Medinah. Sincere threat with top fives at East Lake in 2016 and 2018.3-under. It would have been a surprise if he didn’t qualify, but he wasn't in until a roller coaster of a solo third at Medinah. Sincere threat with top fives at East Lake in 2016 and 2018.7 
Brandt Snedeker 2-under. The 2012 FedExCup champ is in a groove with a T6 at Liberty National and a T5 at Medinah. Ranks eighth in the Playoffs in Strokes Gained: Putting and third in scrambling.2-under. The 2012 FedExCup champ is in a groove with a T6 at Liberty National and a T5 at Medinah. Ranks eighth in the Playoffs in Strokes Gained: Putting and third in scrambling.6 
Adam Scott 3-under. Connected top 10s to open the Playoffs thanks to vintage ball-striking. His putting also remains much better than, well, vintage. Top 10s in last two tries at East Lake (2014, 2016).3-under. Connected top 10s to open the Playoffs thanks to vintage ball-striking. His putting also remains much better than, well, vintage. Top 10s in last two tries at East Lake (2014, 2016).5 
Patrick Cantlay 8-under. Applied pressure on Justin Thomas at Medinah and rose to the 2-seed with the runner-up finish. Third time at East Lake will have to be the charm as he's gone T20-T21 since 2017.8-under. Applied pressure on Justin Thomas at Medinah and rose to the 2-seed with the runner-up finish. Third time at East Lake will have to be the charm as he's gone T20-T21 since 2017.4 
Brooks Koepka 7-under. Slipped from first to third in points after a T24 at the BMW Championship. Competitively enigmatic all season. Solo sixth at East Lake in 2017 is his only top 15 in three tries.7-under. Slipped from first to third in points after a T24 at the BMW Championship. Competitively enigmatic all season. Solo sixth at East Lake in 2017 is his only top 15 in three tries.3 
Rory McIlroy 5-under. Enduring a disappointing Playoffs despite a T6 and a T19. Now the 5-seed, his only round of par or better in five TOUR Championship final rounds was a 64 en route to victory in 2016.5-under. Enduring a disappointing Playoffs despite a T6 and a T19. Now the 5-seed, his only round of par or better in five TOUR Championship final rounds was a 64 en route to victory in 2016.2 
Jon Rahm 4-under. Already his third appearance at East Lake in as many seasons, he's opened these Playoffs with a pair of top fives to total five in nine Playoffs events. Second in the Playoffs in GIR.4-under. Already his third appearance at East Lake in as many seasons, he's opened these Playoffs with a pair of top fives to total five in nine Playoffs events. Second in the Playoffs in GIR.1 
Justin Thomas 10-under. Following the trend of Brooks Koepka's blaze through 2018 post-wrist injury, JT's win at Medinah was similarly imminent. No worse than a T7 at East Lake in three trips.10-under. Following the trend of Brooks Koepka's blaze through 2018 post-wrist injury, JT's win at Medinah was similarly imminent. No worse than a T7 at East Lake in three trips.The 13th TOUR Championship of the FedExCup era is unlike every other. The FedExCup Starting Strokes scoring system segregates the field by FedExCup ranking upon arrival. As the top seed, BMW Championship winner Justin Thomas begins the 72-hole competition at East Lake at 10-under. Patrick Cantlay, the 2-seed, opens at 8-under. The cascade effect continues all the way down to those seeded 26-30, who start traditionally at even par.
While there likely will be curiosity for who actually scores best, the starting leaderboard will reflect official position. If it helps understand it at first, think of the opening round as if at least one round was already played and you're viewing the continuation of the same tournament. There is no cut, so all qualifiers are guaranteed 72 holes.
The winner of the TOUR Championship will be credited with an official victory, but the earnings will be bonus in nature only. The champ will receive $15 million, the runner-up $5 million, and so on down to $395,000 for 30th place. So, there is no stand-alone purse with official money for the field. The BMW represented the last tournament of the 2018-19 season with official earnings.
The FedExCup Starting Strokes scoring system could be responsible for the end of a nine-year drought during which the top seed entering the TOUR Championship has failed to win the FedExCup. Five of the last six FedExCup champions arrived as the 2-seed, including defending champ Justin Rose. No golfer ever has won consecutive FedExCups. Only Tiger Woods (2007, 2009) has captured multiple titles.
This year's field is populated by seven golfers who started the three-event Playoffs outside the top 30 in FedExCup points. The lowest opening seed to qualify is Abraham Ancer. He started THE NORTHERN TRUST seeded 67th and parlayed it with a runner-up finish at Liberty National into debuts in the TOUR Championship and the Presidents Cup. Ancer, who is now seeded 10th, also is one of four PGA TOUR non-winners in the field. Tommy Fleetwood (22nd), rookie Sungjae Im (24th) and Jason Kokrak (30th) are the others.
The highest opening seed who failed to advance to East Lake was Shane Lowry. He started 20th and finished 33rd after going a respective T52-T48 in the first two events. He withdrew early from a pair of commitments late in the regular season, but, and of course, his consolation prize is the claret jug. Not too shabby.
After two weeks of tackling migrating host tracks, the field lands at the only site used for the TOUR Championship in Playoffs history. All but four – Ancer, Im, Kokrak and Corey Conners – have pegged it at the consistently firm and fair test of East Lake in Atlanta.
The stock par 70 tips at 7,346 yards. This is the fourth year since the nines were reversed so that the tournament concludes on a par 5 instead of a par 3. Last year's field averaged 69.617, which hit the bull's-eye of the expectation when you consider the setup and the quality of the competition.
As the longest of the par 70s in non-majors, smashing drivers is encouraged and capitalizing on the pair of par 5s is all but a prerequisite to contend. While always vulnerable, Nos. 5 and 18 surrendered a scoring average of just 4.43 last year. That's lowest in the FedExCup era since the inaugural of 2007 and fourth-easiest of 51 courses last season. With FedExCup Starting Strokes now in play, the premium of converting eagles and birdies on the eight times through these holes is more valuable than ever.
Overall, like all worthy courses, the test toughens nearer the green. Hitting the averaged-sized greens in regulation 11 or 12 times per round is keeping up with the joneses even in the tiniest field of the season.
Putting on what might be the fastest surfaces groomed by the PGA TOUR multiplies the challenge. The MiniVerde bermudagrass greens could roll up to 13 feet on the Stimpmeter. That said, top speeds are unlikely with the persistent threat and likely reality of rain throughout the week. As a result, scoring will favor the aggressive, which only will make it more difficult for those starting at the bottom of the leaderboard to gain ground. Warm and humid air won't be impacted much by light winds, either.
In addition to the richest prize in the history of the PGA TOUR, the FedExCup champion also will receive a five-year membership exemption. By qualifying for the tournament, all 30 in the field are exempt into the Masters, the U.S. Open and The Open Championship, as well as the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions and WGC-Mexico Championship next season.
ROB BOLTON’S SCHEDULE
PGATOUR.COM’s Fantasy Insider Rob Bolton recaps and previews every tournament from numerous angles. Look for his following contributions as scheduled.
MONDAY: Rookie Ranking, Reshuffle, Power Rankings
TUESDAY*: Fantasy Insider
WEDNESDAY: One & Done
* - Rob is a member of the panel for PGATOUR.COM’s Expert Picks for PGA TOUR Fantasy Golf, which also publishes on Tuesday.
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